Review: Mandy Ingber’s Yogalosophy Workout DVD

If I’ve learned anything during my time reviewing yoga DVDs and going to all kinds of classes by all kinds of instructors, it’s that yoga is deeply personal. And what one person likes more than another person is highly subjective. Some like the hippity-dippity (I tend to put myself in that corner most days). Others prefer a more traditional-fitness approach. Others want stretching. And then there’s the meditation piece, and, oh yeah, the different types of yoga styles themselves. Dizzy with yoga options yet? It’s for all of these reasons that I’m a fan of this DVD for those who aren’t sure what yoga camp they fall into just yet.

In Yogalosophy, Mandy Ingber (whom we talked to yesterday!) hits a unique chord of doing all of the above, without being intimidating, overly spiritual or too darn intense. Perfect for yoga beginners or intermediates who want a nice mix of relaxation and toning in a yoga session, this DVD features two different yoga workouts. The first is an express 35-minute workout that takes basic body-weight exercises—lunges, leg lifts, push-ups, tricep dips—and combines them with yoga breathing and movements for Mandy’s signature Yogalosophy fitness approach. The second workout is a 55-minute Fully Loaded Challenge that combines more traditional yoga poses (sun salutations, warrior poses, standing balance work) with the express workout and stretching.

The cuing in the workouts is unique. At times, Mandy talks directly to the camera while she’s doing the poses. At other times, it’s a fairly stream-of-consciousnesses voice over. While she does give good breathing and alignment cues, at times Mandy says some pretty random stuff, including her own personal mantra that focuses on having “a nice ass.” I really didn’t mind—and there is an option to do the workouts without cuing—but you should be aware. Also know that you’ll get plenty of butt shots of Mandy in short shorts. She’s got the rear to pull it off (her mantra certainly works!), but it’s gratuitous in parts.

Fit Bottom line: If you’re needing a beginner or intermediate yoga workout that’s a mix of fitness and mind-body meditation, Yogalosophy could be it!

Want to try this yoga DVD for yourself? Leave a comment with why you want to win, and we’ll select one random U.S. reader to win in about a week. The winner will be contacted via email and in the comments. Namaste! —Jenn

We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial.

I workout from home, but haven’t gotten a yoga dvd yet. I would love one! There are soo many benefits to doing yoga! It sounds like the perfect dvd for me after a long day of teacher and then completing assignments for my masters!

Hi! I would love this DVD because I am desperately trying to get in shape for my wedding next year! I need to find something that works and fits my lifestyle…and this DVD just may be the ticket!
Thank you! 🙂

I just read the interview you posted of hers yesterday and my favorite quote from it was: “Everyone has a body that needs taking care of, and no one else can do it for you. It doesn’t matter what your profession is, how much money you make, whether or not you are in love…we are all equal. None of that stuff matters when it comes to simple self-care.”

I would LOVE to have her DVD!! I love her take on yoga and know that I would use this DVD on a regular basis!

I would LOVE to be so lucky as to win this DVD! Life is so chaotic for us all. This would be the perfect way to start the morning. I’ve been trying to find something for my morning workout before work, but so far, everything I’ve tried doesn’t quite fit me yet. This sounds perfect! =)

I am a certified Yoga instructor, whose style of instruction has changed a bit over the years. The more I learn, the more I try to meet the needs of the participants; delivering the most suitable experience they are looking for. This instructor and this DVD sounds like a great tool for me to gain further perspective on designing the perfect yoga class experience!

I plan to start a new routine since recovering from an injury. I am still 40lbs away from my goal and I think this DVD would not only help my body but also my mind since I am a mom, a wife, a full time student, and employed full time. I could use some YOGALOSOPHY in my life <3

I’m interested in trying out this DVD because of the two different types of Yoga workouts that are incorporated in it, also the instructor/trainer seems like a person more “like me” than most instructors I’ve encountered. Good Luck everyone!

I just turned the “BIG 40” a couple weeks ago and I am ready for a new challage in my life and I am so very interested in Yoga, Bikram Yoga, and I am dedicated to learn, try and live a healthy lifestyle!!

23 years after a shattered pelvis left me with one leg shorter than the other, I have finally realized physical fitness is the ONLY way to empower and persevere! I am slowly and steadily working my way out of bad sedentary habits and into an active, strong life. I go to the gym 4-5 days a week now, and would love to incorporate yoga into my life, for stretching, strength, balance and a sense of calm. This DVD would help me! (it would also be a great birthday present!!)

I’m a full time office manager and student majoring in nutrition. With my school schedule taking up most of my free time I rarely get to try new workouts aside from my daily jogs. Mindy’s DVD seems like the perfect remedy to my sedentary job and lack of free time.

I’d love to try this out! The yoga class at my gym was cancelled so I’m down to DVDs now. A lot of the ones I’ve tried are a little too slow, too boring to stick with for a full hour, or they’re so intense I can’t get the proper form on one pose before they’ve moved on to three more. This one sounds right up my alley, though.

I LOVE YOGA! I have recently lost almost 50 pounds since the birth of my second son. I do Yoga 4-5 times a week while my kiddos are sleeping. Not only has it helped me shed the baby weight but it keeps me cool as a cucumber during those not so fun Mommy moments! Bob Harper and I have been “Yoga dating” now for the past nine months almost daily, I think it’s time for this Mama to move on to the next level and get that Jennifer Aniston bod I’ve always wanted! NAMASTE!

There are so many reason I NEED this workout. Back spasms haunt me in my sleep running up and down my back all night waking me up. My body needs a gentle yet challenging workout like this to strengthen it yet relax it to help it in its healing process. My mind needs the calmness that the workout provides. Yoga is the one thing that helps me deal with the pain I have on a daily basis. If I miss doing it, the pain increases. Yoga helps me personally to have the mind body connection which helps me to be able to walk. I have multiple sclerosis, so this kind of workout is the kind I LOVE doing to help restore my gentle spirit. My system is unable to do the regular jumping types of workouts – This DVD calls my name. I will put out my notice to the Universe in hopes it will manifest itself in my mailbox. Namaste.

The only yoga I have ever done is the Jillian Michaels dvd which is not very mind connected…I’d like to start meditating and doing more traditional yoga because I have a stressful time coming up. I am a newlywed and just bought an old house (built in 1845!!) that is going to take some fixing up while working two jobs and doing grad classes. Needless to say, I’m going to need some escape time outside of my normal workout routine. I think I could really benefit from this one!

Having problems with my neck and back I have spent lots of money trying different things. It has been a struggle trying to lose weight and get my back to feel better without added pain. This sounds like something I could do and would love the opportunity to try it. Yoga has helped me in the past but I can’t afford a class. I just want to feel better and get back to being able to move and do the things I used to do. Thanks!

I do a short Sun Salutation that I taught myself from a 99 cent download on my Kindle. I bought a 10 class package at a local yoga studio through Groupon which is running out. Always looking for a bargain to help with my internal calm 🙂

I am totally falling in love with yoga, but can’t afford to attend classes. This giveaway is just the ticket to keep my practice going.
Thanks!!

I’m on my Epic Weight Loss Journey and trying everything I can to get healthy, eat right, and ENJOY exercise. I’ve fallen in love with yoga and practice as much as possible. My only problem = the gym doesn’t have classes everyday. I’d LOVE to have a yoga DVD to help me practice more often (maybe I could get up to once a day!?!?)… 🙂

I would like to try this yoga DVD out. I have heard that yoga is really good for you, but the yoga DVD I tried previously seemed to focus more on the setting and voice over talking and was geared toward people who already knew what they were doing. I don’t. I’m a beginner. I would also really like to work on toning and balance, because I’m kinda jiggly and uncoordinated. I think yoga would also help me relax and offer some techniques I can use at work or other stressful locations.

I’d like to try it because I have some core issues I need to work through to strengthen my lower back and stabilize. I’ve heard many good things regarding the practice of Yoga and how kind it is to the body when done properly. I would love to learn and experiece its benefits.

I need to lose a good chunk of weight and I very much need flexibility back again, but even moreso I am looking for something that is good for my body AND relieves stress. I loved doing yoga when I was younger and I would love to get back to where I was again.

I’m rehabilitating after four years of being practically bedridden due to an illness. My doctors have advised that yoga is the perfect exercise for me as I am unable to do hardcore cardio. I need something that isn’t intimidating as it seems this DVD fits. Fingers crossed!

I own this DVD and have used it many times. I really love how down to earth Mandy is – she’s funny and not too “granola” LOL. I also like the “silent” feature on the DVD so that I can listen to my own music or radio. I can’t wait for her to come out with another workout!

I tried this DVD last summer when I was getting into yoga. I found the cues to be a little bit confusing to follow because of the mix of Mandy talking to the camera and the voice-over. A few times I got lost on the number of repetitions. It was a good workout but I definitely needed to do it enough times to almost memorize the routine before I stopped missing cues. Overall a good workout, but you have to be willing to let Mandy’s quirks and the routine grow on you.